Women in Leadership

SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WOMEN IN POLITICS

Female Roles in Nation Building, Gender Equality, Nation Building, Politics, Speak Wednesday, Women, Women in Leadership, Women's Rights /

The significance of women’s involvement in politics cannot be emphasized enough when it comes to promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Women have been inadequately represented in politics throughout history due to various cultural factors. On the other hand, recent advances by women in politics have proven the importance of equal representation for women in this sphere. Despite advances in some areas, women in Nigeria face several hurdles when entering politics. Traditional gender roles, patriarchal conventions, and negative stereotypes frequently impede women from seeking active engagement in politics.

 

In Nigeria, the National Gender Policy (NGP) was created in 2006 to address the gender imbalance. The NGP advocates for a 35% Affirmative Action (AA) to ensure women are adequately represented in all governance processes.

 

Significantly, women in leadership positions, especially in developing nations, have the obligation and the potential to affect their society through leadership, particularly when empowered. Women who are empowered can aspirate for, achieve, and excel in leadership roles while also playing their roles at home.

 

Women are empowered when educated, exposed, and given economic freedom. Women in leadership roles have had an excellent social impact throughout history and in every nation. Such women have a long history in human history. Notably, influential figures such as Okonjo Iweala and Dora Akunyili have demonstrated that women can significantly contribute to a country’s political economy.

 

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.

 

#SpeakWednesday #WomenInPolitics #Women’sRights #GenderStereotype #GenderBias #GenderInequality

 

REFERENCES

Emeka, E. O & Monica, E. A. 2015. Women and Leadership in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects.

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Gender, Gender Equality, Speak Wednesday, Women, Women in Leadership, Women's Rights /

WOMEN’S RIGHT TO FULL AND EFFECTIVE POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

According to provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women in Africa, and the National Gender Policy, women have the right to participate in political processes that affect them, their families, and societies. Countries like Rwanda, Cuba, Bolivia, and United Arab Emirates with increased women’s participation and leadership in civil societies and political parties tend to be more inclusive, responsive and democratic. Truth is, when women significantly participate in peace processes, they meaningfully help to expand the scope of agreements and improve the prospects for lasting peace.

Historically, Women around the world at every socio-political level find themselves under-represented in parliament and far removed from decision-making levels. Despite representing half the global population, women comprise less than 20 percent of the world’s legislators according to United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Women in Nigeria face many challenges and discriminatory practices under some existing laws and customs. Political life in Nigeria is based on male norms and values, and men determine the standards for political participation and the rules that govern the electoral process, greatly limiting women’s participation in politics. For example, intending female candidates for political offices are often disadvantaged, and even disqualified, by rules and cultural norms surrounding marriage and indigeneship. In some cases, parties actively exclude women from standing for office and most often than not, female political candidates are often subject to hate speech, threats or violence. Nevertheless, Women are known to be resilient family and society builders and are naturally imbued with salient and sterling leadership qualities. Over time in history, a few women who have been entrusted with leadership roles have more often than not proved that when given adequate backing, women can perform creditably – a case study of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Margaret Ekpo in managing human and material resources.

In conclusion, women’s full and effective political participation births gender equality, inclusive growth, and sustainable development. The active participation of women, on equal terms with men, at all levels of decision-making and political involvement provides a balance that more accurately reflects the composition of society and may as such enhance the legitimacy of political processes by making them more democratic and responsive to the concerns and perspectives of all segments of society. Research shows that as more women are elected to office, there is a corollary increase in policy making that emphasizes quality of life and reflects the priorities of families, women, ethnic and racial minorities.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias. Join us every Wednesday on all our social media platforms for more interesting episodes.

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Nation Building, Speak Wednesday, Women, Women in Leadership /

WOMEN’S CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS

According to Wikipedia, Civil and political rights are a class of rights that protect individuals’ freedom from infringement by governments, social organizations, and private individuals. They ensure one’s entitlement to participate in the civil and political life of society and the state without discrimination or repression which includes among others freedom from discrimination and the right to privacy, the right to peaceful assembly, free expression, the right to vote, and freedom of religion.

Historically, women have been excluded from political life and decision making processes. Women’s campaigns for participation in the public and political arena date back as far as the 19th centuries and continues today. Despite representing half the global population, women comprise less than 20 percent of the world’s legislators. From discrimination and violence to a lack of support and resources, women face innumerable challenges to participation in the civic and political life of their countries.

Women in Nigeria face many challenges and discriminatory practices under some existing laws and customs. The Nigerian society is patriarchal in nature, this is due to the influence of the various religions and customs in many parts of Nigeria. Women are seen as the ‘weaker sex’ , hence, all forms of discriminatory practices by the state and society (especially by men) are condoned. Political life in Nigeria is based on male norms and values, and men determine the standards for political participation and the rules that govern the electoral process, greatly limiting women’s participation in politics.

Although Women’s political participation has improved, but much still needs to be done. On the 15th day of March 2016, for instance, members of the Nigerian Senate at its plenary session, voted against and consequently, dumped the “Gender Parity and Prohibition of Violence against Women Bill” that aimed to give women equal rights in marriage, education and employment. Under the law, a widow in Nigeria would have automatically become the custodian of her children and husband’s property upon her husband’s death. While a few lawmakers supported the bill, others believed that it violated the African spirit. In the African custom, women are considered the weaker gender, often repressed, seen as a baby making machine and as property. If there was better representation of women in the Senate, there is no doubt that the bill would have passed.

According to certain provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and the protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women in Africa and the National Gender Policy, Women have the right to participate in political processes that affect them, their families, and their societies. Countries with increased women’s participation and leadership in civil society and political parties tend to be more inclusive, responsive and democratic. Truth is, when women significantly participate in peace processes, they meaningfully help to expand the scope of agreements and improve the prospects for lasting peace.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of Centre for Family Health Initiative to stop the cycle of domestic violence by breaking the silence around gender-based violence and gender bias. Join us every Wednesday on all our social media handles for more episodes.

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WHO, Women, Women in Leadership, Women's Rights /

WOMEN’S SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RIGHTS

Women’s Sexual and reproductive health right means the right for women, regardless of age, ethnicity, HIV status or other aspects of identity, to make informed choices regarding their own sexuality and reproduction. It includes the right to make informed choices about when to give birth, the right to access the full range of affordable and informed family planning services, the right to accurate information and services to prevent and treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV and AIDS, and sexual health information and education.

According to United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), good sexual and reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being in all matters relating to the reproductive system. To maintain one’s sexual and reproductive health, people need have access to accurate information and the safe, effective, affordable, and acceptable contraception method of their choice. Women and girls around the world, especially those living in poverty are restricted or have no access to information and services about their reproductive health and rights. Some of the barriers to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) include discrimination, stigma, restrictive laws and policies, societal expectations, and ingrained traditions.

Research shows that the global status of women’s and girls’ sexual and reproductive health and rights is disturbing: 214 million women worldwide want, but lack access to, contraception and more than 800 women die daily from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. Studies also stipulate that one in three women globally will face violence in their lifetime and violence against women and girls (VAWG) is integrally linked to the denial of access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR). This means many women do not have control over their bodies and their fertility.

Access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights is a basic human right. It helps eliminate preventable maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, sexually transmitted infections (STI), cervical cancer and violence against women and girls.

Governments, multi‑lateral institutions and civil societies can promote or make accessible SRHR services to women by supporting an enabling environment so that SRHR becomes a reality through prioritizing the inclusion of SRHR within global agendas within the context of both health and gender equality. Also, prioritizing SRHR to tackle harmful gender norms and engaging men and boys as partners and change agents in SRHR. Over the years, Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) has  used its social media platforms to advocate for the SRHRs of women and has partnered with different organizations including Marie Stopes to provide free family planning to women during the commemoration of Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Weeks (MNCHWs)

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of Centre for Family Health Initiative to stop the cycle of domestic violence by breaking the silence around gender-based violence and gender bias. Join us every Wednesday on all our social media handles for more episodes.

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DISRUPTING PATRIARCHY, Gender, Health, Health Communication, Mental Health, Speak Wednesday, WHO, Women, Women in Leadership /

DISRUPTING PATRIARCHY

According to Wikipedia, Patriarchy is a social system in which men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege and control of property. Some patriarchal societies are also patrilineal, meaning that property and title are inherited by the males only.

Patriarchy influences different areas of the society including culture, family, school, the workplace and relationships. Its presence can translate to inequality and gender-based violence. The idea of patriarchy is not peculiar to a specific group of people, but one that extends and supersedes all borders, socioeconomic class, race, and more.

In Nigeria, it is observed by different researchers including European Scientific Institute that . Hence, there is the commonality of general belief system that the best place for women is in the ‘Kitchen’. This trend has brought about tremendous misrepresentation of women right at the level of the family down to the circular society. Women are therefore discriminated upon from, in most cases, acquiring formal education, accessing proper health care, receiving equal pay, among others.

In so many parts of the world, women are forbidden to own landed properties or inherit any. In cases where the diseased did not have male children, his properties are distributed amongst his male relatives, excluding his widow and daughters who are left to fend for themselves. In these societies, women who are financially stable have to buy properties in the name of their fathers or other male relatives. All these expose women to violence before they are born until they are aged.

Zig Ziglar once said, the first step to finding a solution is to recognize there is a problem. Because of how ingrained patriarchy is in the society, it may be difficult to identify. However, if patriarchy can be learnt, it can be unlearnt. Together we can achieve a society with equal opportunities for all human irrespective of the gender differences.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of Centre for Family Health Initiative to stop the cycle of domestic violence by breaking the silence around gender based violence and gender bias. Join us every Wednesday on all our social media handles for more episodes.

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Community Development, Female Roles in Nation Building, Nation Building, Speak Wednesday, Women, Women in Leadership /

FEMALE ROLES IN NATION BUILDING

Nation Building encourages active participation of all citizens of a nation in order to reduce social and economic disparities, create an enabling environment for citizens to display their identities, cultures, languages and religions without any form of discrimination, maintain a politically stable environment, and enjoy the potentials of its human resource.

In Nigeria, women have made indelible contributions through active participation to advance the nation dating from the pre-colonial era.  Late Queen Amina was a Hausa warrior from the city of Zazzau, present day Zaria in Nigeria. She was the first to become queen in a male-dominated society. Tales of her exploits include expanding the territory of the Hausa people of North Africa to the largest in history, creating routes for trade throughout Northern Africa, ordering the construction of fortifications called ‘Amina Walls’ and introducing the cultivation of Kola nuts within the region.

The pre-independence era featured the likes of Margret Ekpo, Janet Nwadiogo Mogelu and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti who were politicians and activists championing the cause to fight discriminatory and oppressive forms of colonialism committed against women and to protest against incessant killings of innocent citizens. Their activities set the pace for the advancement of gender equality in Nigeria.

More women are populating various professions and sectors in present times contributing greatly to the economic workforce. Through engaging in formal and informal labour, many women have improved the livelihood of their families through their incomes and have become strong contributors to the national economy. Others have introduced reform programs and enacted policies that have helped stabilize the nation’s economy, encourage government transparency, and advance progress. Ngozi-Okonjo-Iweala, Late Dr. Dora Akunyili and Dr. Oby Ezekwesili are few examples of such women.

According to Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, “When we empower women, we empower communities, nations and the entire human family.” As key players in national development, nations must continue to empower women by investing in girl-child education, enacting female-friendly policies, promoting programs that support women, and ending harmful practices that abuse their rights as humans to enhance development.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of Centre for Family Health Initiative to stop the cycle of domestic violence by breaking the silence around gender based violence and gender bias. Join us every Wednesday on all our social media handles for more episodes.

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Community Development, Cultural practices in Africa, WHO, Women, Women in Leadership /

FEMALE ROLES IN ERADICATING HARMFUL CULTURAL PRACTICES

Certain cultures in different parts of the world accommodate harmful practices that encourage forms of exploitation, violence, abuse, injustice, discrimination and marginalization, committed primarily against women and children. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child/forced marriage, initiation rites, infanticide, male preference, honour killings, forced begging, stoning, acid attacks, bonded labour, sexual slavery, breast ironing, and nutritional taboos are harmful practices that are detrimental to the health and wellbeing of its victims.

Significant progress has been made thus far to eradicate harmful cultural practices globally, but the economic, physical and social disruptions caused by the ongoing pandemic could deter the advancement. The new United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) projections in April 2020 predict that the COVID-19 pandemic may cause about 2 million more cases of Female Genital Mutilation and about 13 million new child marriages in the next decade because of significant delays in programmes organized to tackle harmful cultural practices and economic hardships.

Women are at the forefront raising their voices against harmful cultural practices and providing interventions to support its victims even amidst the pandemic. Stephanie Linus is an award winning Nigerian actress, filmmaker and activist passionate about women and child rights. ‘Dry’ an award winning movie produced by her exposes the evils of child marriage and the physical and psychological consequences associated with it. Through her foundation ‘Extended Hands’ she has  partnered with local and international organizations in building awareness on fistula prevention, maternal health, family planning and has provided various medical interventions to indigent girls and women suffering Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) in Sokoto, Kebbi, Cross River, Oyo, and Kwara states in Nigeria. Her foundation has continued to provide more interventions to vulnerable women and girls, deflating the number of new victims of harmful traditional practices in the COVID-19 era. She was recently appointed as the UNFPA Regional Goodwill Ambassador for West and Central Africa.

It is important to note that women are the most qualified advocates to fight for the eradication of harmful traditional practices. This is because women are the highest fatalities who have experienced and survived the repercussions of these practices. Hence, more women should be encouraged to speak up and empowered to be self-reliant.

Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) continues to echo the call for an end to the suffering of girls and women caused by harmful traditional practices through community outreaches, policy-oriented research, and media campaigns. CFHI has through the United States Consulate Women And Youth Empowerment (WYNE) project, mitigated the rate of female genital mutilation, child marriage, violence against women, land disinheritance, gender (Son) preference, Incest, rape and harmful widowhood practices in Ngor Okpala community, Imo State, Nigeria.  After having ten community dialogues with the community stakeholders, resolutions on these harmful practices were reached, leading to the development of a community charter that was signed by the paramount traditional ruler and representatives of the villages that make up the community. Operation-Know-Your-Right Campaign was thereafter organized through which over 735 women and 28 youths were sensitized with the right knowledge to stand against harmful cultural practices within and outside the community.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of Centre for Family Health Initiative to stop the cycle of domestic violence by breaking the silence around gender based violence and gender bias. Join us every Wednesday on all our social media handles for more episodes.

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Health Communication, WHO, Women, Women in Leadership /

THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN HEALTH COMMUNICATION

Health communication encompasses the study and use of communication strategies to inform and influence individual and community decisions for health promotion. Health communication can help raise awareness of health risks and solutions by providing the skills and motivation needed to influence social and behavioral change, and increase demand for appropriate health services.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), women make up 75% of the healthcare workforce in many countries affirming women’s indispensable contributions in health communication. Effective communication with health care providers on health matters is crucial in the delivery of high quality health care. Findings from National Library of Medicine (NIM) have proven that female health care providers are likely to use more patient-centred communication strategies by asking more questions, engaging in more information sharing, encouraging patient participation during interactions, and providing more psychosocial counselling to patients compared to the men.

The practices of health communication have contributed to health promotion and disease prevention in several areas. In early 2003 for example, WHO epidemiologists learned that a deadly disease known as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was quickly spreading to other countries from China. WHO and other public health officials were able to place announcement in local media such as the radio and newspaper. The radio was able to quickly disseminate the information as it is easily accessed and reaches people at the grassroots level. Also, in the case of the present Pandemic, through health communication, different countries became more prepared for Corona Virus and plans were put in place to mitigate the spread.

Moji Makanjuola is a female health journalist in Nigerian who has contributed significantly to the improvement and development of health journalism. She is a Media Consultant to the United Nations Women, after working for decades in the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) where she rose to the position of head of health and gender desk. She was a pioneer member of the Centre for Diseases Control (CDC), Atlanta in USA. Presently, she is the Executive Director of International Society of Media in Public Health, and the Chief Executive Officer of Bronz and Onyx. Other examples of Nigerian women who are key players in health communication include; Princess Osita-Oleribe, the Co-Founder, Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI); Babafunke Fagbemi, Executive Director, Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI); Dr. Mojisola Odeku, Project Director, Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (NURHI); Vivianne Ihekweazu, Managing Director, Nigeria Health Watch, among others.

Female participation in health communication does not only enable timely information access to the family members, it also strengthens gender transformative change to improve women health and access to health care and services. For effective health communication strategies, more women should be involved in the process of disease control right from the planning stage through to implementation and evaluation.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of Centre for Family Health Initiative to stop the cycle of domestic violence by breaking the silence around gender based violence and gender bias. Join us every Wednesday on all our social media handles for more episodes.

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Gender, Health, Politics, WHO, Women, Women in Leadership /

FEMALE ROLES IN POLICY MAKING

Policies are deliberate systems enacted by those in positions of authority to define the rules, standards, regulations, and procedures that affect almost every aspect of human life such as education, health, agriculture, migration, aviation, finance, defence, environment, trade, justice, transportation, science and technology.

Valentina Tereshkova quotes, a bird cannot fly with one wing only. Human space flight cannot develop any further without the active participation of women. Yet, for several decades, the society encouraged male dominance and totally excluded women from occupying positions that influence key decision making processes. Forgetting that making policies without the contribution of women may not adequately reflect the needs and preferences of women, youths, and children.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a Nigerian-born economist and international development expert who during her tenor as the Minister of Finance for Nigeria, helped the country’s economy grow an average of 6% (per annum) over three years. She is credited with developing reform programs that helped improve governmental transparency and stabilizing the economy. Another example is Angela Merkel, who transformed German politics since being voted into office in 2005. Her numerous achievements at home and abroad have seen her top Forbes’ most powerful women list eight times.

A Member of Parliament in Rwanda, Thacienne Dusabeyezu once said, “The more women in the parliament, the better it is for children”. This is because women are generally more attached to children than men and they understand the needs of children. Hence, are more likely to enact child-friendly policies.

The role of women in policy making and implementation is essential in every society to help advance gender equality. Most women elected to be in the parliament will place women concerns and rights at the forefront of their agendas, suggesting policies that would promote women and speaking against policies that abuse women rights and deter their development.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York said that to fix the gridlock in Congress, more women should be involved. This is because women are more focused on finding common ground and collaborating. Women are characterized by tenderness, love, care, creativity, innovation, reliability, and if more women are key decision makers, perhaps organizations could respond effectively to challenges before the challenges are escalated to bigger problems.

It is inappropriate to ignore the intellectual capital resource of over half the population of the world.  To address global injustice and advocate for compassionate policies, both men and women must recognize the value of a balance in government. Women should not simply emulate the male role model, but should bring their own principles to every negotiating table.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of Centre for Family Health Initiative to stop the cycle of domestic violence by breaking the silence around gender based violence and gender bias. Join us every Wednesday on all our social media handles for more episodes.

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Gender, Politics, WHO, Women, Women in Leadership /

GENDER ROLES IN LEADERSHIP

With the increasing interventions and awareness to promote equal rights and opportunities for boys and girls in Africa, more females are raising their voices against gender inequality. Women are now asserting their power as global ground breakers dominating fields and positions of leadership that were exclusively reserved for men. Women are seizing opportunities and attaining heights of success.

Around the world, women are leading countries. Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom has been the reigning queen since 1952. Africa is not left out. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was the first elected female head of state in Africa. She served as the President of Liberia from 2006 to 2018. Catherine Samba-Panza served as interim President of the Central African Republic from 2014 to 2016. She was the first to hold that position in the country. Dame Virginia Ngozi Etiaba served as the governor of Anambra State, Nigeria, from 2006-2007.

Anyone irrespective of gender who possesses leadership skills and qualities can be a leader. Thus, men and women show distinct leadership traits and qualities. Many argue that women cannot withstand the challenges that come with leadership because their biological formation detests stress and pressure.  Women are judged to be reserved and soft so they can be easily swayed. Well, these qualities are more of strengths than weaknesses. The soft nature of women makes them considerate leaders that listen to the plight of the masses and strive to protect the interest of the people they serve. This is a unique leadership quality called selflessness.

Compassion is an asset every leader must possess. A leader must be compassionate, deferential, submissive, self-effacing, and treat everyone with the same level of dignity. A compassionate and humble leader will learn from others and accept mistakes because he/she is not all knowing. Women are not just compassionate and humble, they are innovative, creative, and logical thinkers. Selecting leaders based on these attributes would definitely produce more female than male leaders. These attributes earn female leaders the collaboration and cooperation of the followers to advance for a better future.

Women led nations seem to be particularly successful in fighting COVID-19. New York Times reports that the Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel has had fewer death rates than France, Italy and Spain. 34 year old Sanna Marin who is the Prime Minister of Finland with collaboration of 4 female led parties has had far lower deaths than nearby Sweden. Without a total national lock down, Tsai Ing-wen the female president of Taiwan has achieved one of the most successful efforts in the world at containing Corona Virus.

Women should be given more opportunities to occupy positions of leadership. Instead of criticizing the leadership abilities of women, men should be encouraged to embrace unique leadership traits of women leaders. The world will advance for the better when this is achieved.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of Centre for Family Health Initiative to stop the cycle of domestic violence by breaking the silence around gender-based violence.  Join us every Wednesday on all our social media handles for more episodes.

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